Comica is going on in the UK right now, a month long celebration of comics and graphic novels with a ton of event and art exhibits which you can see in the link. and here’s another one; S.M.A.S.H. a series of three panels discussing various aspects of the art form. It sounds great—if we were in London on November 15th this is where we’d be. Info:

Comica and the London Graphic Novel Network present S.M.A.S.H.: thinking serious and talking fun about comics.

For anyone curious to learn more about one of the most fascinating and underappreciated art-forms around. Join members of the London Graphic Novel Network (and others) as they discuss subjects such as Art, History and Storytelling and how they relate to the medium of comic books and graphic novels. Three questions. Three panels. A relaxing and informal chat followed by a discussion with the audience.

ART: Where is the art in comic books?12:30pm – 13:20pmWhat’s so great about comics anyway? Where exactly are the pleasures that only comics can provide compared to other mediums such as film, theatre and literature? Why is there an intellectual and emotional edge that you only get when you combine words and pictures together?HISTORY: What is the history of comic books?13:30 – 14:20pmWho are the unsung heroes of comics and which “classics” deserve to be forgotten? Which books have been most integral to the development of the medium today? And why should we even pay attention to old comics anyway? STORYTELLING: How important is storytelling to comics?14:30pm – 15:20pmDoes it matter if the story is rubbish so long as the artwork is nice? Are there certain types of stories that only comics can tell or at least – tell best? And if so – why?

Heidi MacDonald is the founder and editor in chief of The Beat. In the past, she worked for Disney, DC Comics, Fox and Publishers Weekly. She can be heard regularly on the More To Come Podcast. She likes coffee, cats and noble struggle.